Greer, SC asked in Criminal Law for South Carolina

Q: My stepfather stands accused of neglecting my mother to the point of her death. What do I do?

He has opted for a jury trial, and I don't think it's in his best interest to do so. She died at home, with a broken leg, after four days of no food or water or waste cleanup. I don't want him to get away with what he's done, but neither do I want to sit in a courtroom and watch their private lives on display. What recourse do I have? Will I be forced to be a witness?

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Andrew "Andy" Potter
Andrew "Andy" Potter
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Anderson, SC
  • Licensed in South Carolina

A: You need to speak with the solicitor handling your step-father's case or the victim advocate to let them know what you want out of this case. They will take into consideration your wishes, but the solicitor does not represent you personally. If you do not feel like they are listening, you can retain an attorney to represent you and speak with the solicitor.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.